Making the macedon ranges trails project a reality

The Victorian Government will get shovels in the ground and thousands of people back to work, building the projects that matter to Victoria – and creating the jobs that matter to Victorians.

Today, the Government launched the first part of our Building Works package, which will provide $2.7billion towards shovel-ready projects – big and small – to get thousands of people back to work.

With travel and other restrictions having hit Victoria’s visitor economy hard, the Building Works package includes $382 million in upgrades, maintenance and new experiences at tourism destinations across the state.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced that the Macedon Ranges Shire Council would receive $8.75 million as part of Building Works to make the Macedon Ranges Trails Project a reality.

Designed to encourage cycling, walking and running for people of all abilities, the Macedon Ranges Trails Project will provide shared use trail links that connect some of the major towns across the Macedon Ranges.

Covering over 23 kilometres, the trails will link Woodend to Macedon, Macedon to New Gisborne and New Gisborne to Riddells Creek.

Once complete, trail users can hook into local events and sample the best of food and produce along the way, and even consider an overnight stay within the Macedon Ranges towns.

The trail will enhance the vibrant and varied tourism offerings in the Macedon Ranges and improve community health and social inclusion by providing a safe, shared and accessible trail for everyone to enjoy.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council will now begin working with public land managers to finalise design and commence work as soon as possible.

The Building Works package will create thousands of jobs while also pumping extra dollars back into our economy. Companies engaged to complete the work will be required to find new employees through Working for Victoria in the first instance.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP
"We need to be investing in projects now that will not only help our local economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic but will benefit our community into the future."

"The Macedon Ranges Trail Project will create local jobs, support our local businesses and provide fantastic experience for locals and visitors to enjoy in our beautiful region."